Cove Creek Fire Information – July 24, 2018

Contact: 435-864-8676

Safety: The Central Utah Type 3 Incident Management team continues to evaluate the Cove Creek Fire gaining situational awareness and making the best action plan to ensure success throughout this incident. The number one priority will be for firefighter and public safety when making management decisions. Our actions are assessed and deliberate in making decisions for the crews and aerial resources.

Current Conditions: Due to recent rain on the fire, fire activity slowed down, however this does not mean this fire is out. The fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down fuels. Recent flights show numerous heat sources throughout the fire area.

Future Planning: If conditions and weather permits over the next several day’s fire personnel will continue ignitions on indirect lines. These operations will secure fire lines and direct fire intoareas that will produce the most benefit to the landscape.

  • Contingency fuel breaks will be utilized by fire crews.
  • It will take a snowfall to completely extinguish the fire.

Smoke: If heavy smoke is present, those who are more vulnerable should take precautions and avoid prolonged or heavy outside activity. Listening to your body and its responses is the best indicator of smoke exposure. People should keep in mind that smoke impacts can change quickly and sensitive or at-risk individuals may consider leaving the area when a long-duration smoky wildfire is in the forecast.

Partnership: Cooperation and collaboration with other federal agencies; state, local, and tribal government agencies; and are critical to safe and effective wildfire response.

Reason for Closure is Public Safety – the area where the fire is active and current fire fighter activities are taking place. Hazards include live fire, unpredictable fire behavior, and operational personnel as well as hazard trees.

  • In a burned area fires weaken and kill trees. They can easily fall from weakened root systems.Rolling rocks are a hazard as rain or snow melt loosens soil and vegetation that may be holding them along slopes. Tree roots and stumps can be dangerous as the only evidence may be a thin layer of ash or soil. Unsuspecting visitors can step on one and end up with their foot and leg in a deep hole.
  • The public is not allowed within the closure area during fire activities and operations. No hiking,no motorized access. This includes the listed trails and roads as well as any off-road travel by any means – foot, horse, motorized, etc.
  • The Little North Creek Trail remains open but access travel into the area closure is not allowed.

Resource Benefits:

  • Reducing hazardous fuels,
  • Protecting human communities from extreme fire
  • Minimizing the spread of insects and disease
  • Opening up the forest floor for wildlife travel and additional forage
  • Aspen regeneration

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